Dr. Priscilla Shih of Belleville, Wisconsin Offers a Different Kind of Solution to the Tooth Decay Epidemic

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Neighborhood Smiles of Belleville introduces a groundbreaking cavity prevention system that can lower decay rates by 74%

Dr. Shih DDS

I can combat and sometimes reverse the effects of early decay. Now that is exciting!-Dr. Shih

Belleville, Wisconsin (PRWEB)April 02, 2013

Dental decay is the number one chronic disease affecting American youth; surpassing both obesity and asthma. For Dr. Priscilla Shih those statistics are no longer daunting. She has taken the top caries research in the world and implemented a cavity prevention program developed by CariFree that is shown to decrease incidents of tooth decay by up to 74%. The system is known as CAMBRA or Caries Management by Risk Assessment. She says: "I base all treatment plans on individual Risk Factors. Patients with high risk to decay are those on medications which cause dry mouth, soda drinkers, and patients with acidic bacteria. With CariFree, I can combat these acid attacks, and sometimes reverse the effects of early decay. Now that is exciting!"

CAMBRA is rooted in a medical model of risk assessment. It requires the dental professional to assess each and every patient’s risk factors for the disease and then develop a personalized treatment plan to systematically lower their risk. The CariFree diagnostic tools leverage biofilm testing (to determine the levels of cavity-causing bacteria in the patient’s mouth) as well as a risk assessment questionnaire to determine the overall statistical probability a patient will develop new cavities over the next 12 months. Never before has such predictive information been available. Patients can then measurably lower their risk for decay by utilizing professional products and behavior modification.

Patients can expect the entire process to take a few minutes in their appointment. They will answer targeted questions regarding their current habits (eating and drinking, medication use, chronic health issues etc.) as well as undergo a quick, painless swab of their lower teeth (to determine if they have an excess of cavity causing bacteria). Then based on the information gathered, their dental team will counsel them on an appropriate course of action to lower their risk. If professional products are recommended the practitioner will provide the patient with a professional kit of product specifically designed to counteract their risk factors.

Science has proven that this disease cannot be stopped by the drill and fill approach. True cure requires a medical approach and a comprehensive assessment of each patient. Dr. Shih has taken a bold and caring step for her patients and community.

For more information on the CariFree system go to http://www.carifree.com. Call now and make your screening appointment at: 608-291-4988.

About Dr. Shih: As a general dentist with a special interest in cosmetic dentistry and implant restoration, Dr. Priscilla Shih believes that a beautiful, healthy smile is a person’s greatest asset. She emphasizes the need to establish good communication between the doctor and patient to achieve this goal. With a strong commitment to continuing education, Dr. Shih believes that it is important to stay abreast of the latest, cutting edge techniques and procedures in the area of cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Shih attended UCLA as an undergraduate and continued her education at the Northwestern University School of Dentistry, where she earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree in 1977. She completed the Noblepharma Implant Mini-residency and holds Waterlase and Invisalign Advanced Certification.

Dr. Shih is a member of the American Dental Association, The Wisconsin Dental Association, the Chicago Dental Society, the American Association of Women Dentists, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists.

A resident of the Stoughton area since 2008, Dr. Shih is active in her church and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. She enjoys gourmet cooking, reading, gardening and traveling in her spare time. She is married with three grown children, all of whom currently live in Chicago.